We have heard a great deal of rhetoric from predictable sources
regarding Mel Gibson's soon-to-be-released movie, "The Passion
of the Christ." I have had the privilege of getting to
know Gibson and watching him work. I have also been a longtime
observer of Hollywood.

When an artist brings his unique vision of religious expression
to the screen, it is not grounds for controversy. It is an exercise
in freedom.

Some critics charge that the film ascribes blame. Their complaint
is not with Gibson but with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The
movie merely depicts the life and death of Christ directly from
the Gospels. Scores of respected religious experts concur that
the movie is an accurate depiction of Scripture.

"The Passion of the Christ" focuses on the last
12 hours of Christ's life and the suffering he endured. The
story that Gibson brings to life is the same story set forth
in both the New Testament and the Talmud. It is the same story
that has been immortalized in clay, on canvas and in composition
by great masters over the centuries. And it is one that has deep
religious significance for hundreds of millions of people around
the world.

Gibson is one of the most bankable stars of today. A Harris
poll recently named him America's favorite male movie star. He
easily could have cashed in on Hollywood's sequel craze and enriched
his personal bank account in the process. Instead he chose to
spend his time working on a project that he has carried in his
heart for more than a dozen years.

On Feb. 25, Gibson's creative effort will take flight. "The
Passion of the Christ" will appear on thousands of movie
screens across the nation. The cinematic launch will occur despite
unprecedented attempts by critics and foes to alter the film's
content and thwart its release.

What has been lost in all of the controversy surrounding the
film is creativity's voice, free expression. Ironically, many
of the same people who defended the right of Martin Scorsese
to display "The Last Temptation of Christ," Andres
Serrano to immerse a crucifix in urine and Chris Ofili to smear
the Blessed Mother of Jesus with elephant dung have been hard
at work trying to shackle Gibson. Gibson had to overcome personal
insults, stolen scripts, pirated prints and dire predictions
to deliver his film to the public. His ability to do so is an
exercise of his fundamental rights as an artist, an American
and a person of faith.

Especially important to us as an independent people is our
rich variety of ideas. Americans inherently understand that the
marketplace of the mind is perhaps the most critical component
of the freedom formula. Gibson's "The Passion of the
Christ" is a manifestation of artistic freedom and ought
to be respected as such.